Australian officials address housing market slowdown, corporate bonuses and political safety concerns

Treasury secretary Jenny Wilkinson told Senate estimates that recent falls in house values are driven primarily by higher interest rates, global uncertainty and weak consumer sentiment, rather than the government's tax reforms on capital gains and negative gearing. She noted that Australia’s high proportion of variable-rate mortgages means monetary policy impacts borrowers quickly, and said the reforms are expected to have only modest medium-term effects on prices and rents.

Woolworths reported a 6.9 % rise in Australian food sales for the quarter, attributing the growth to strong consumer demand for groceries and the ongoing Ooshies collectible campaign, rather than price increases.

A 46-year-old man was charged with making false statements about injuries sustained in the Bondi Beach terror attack and seeking compensation. He was granted conditional bail and is due in court.

Federal Police commissioner Krissy Barrett said the force had received 785 protective security reports concerning adverse content against parliamentarians in the first half of the year, with women politicians three times more likely to report gender-based threats.

Western Australian senator Fatima Payman disclosed a threatening email received during Senate estimates, prompting the cancellation of a community event. Deputy commissioner Scott Lee said the AFP is prioritising contact with her office but could not provide operational details.

Australia Post’s outgoing chief executive Paul Graham confirmed he received a $1.2 million bonus on top of his $1.64 million salary, citing the successful property-sale strategy that helped return the organisation to profit. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson described the amount as “mind-blowing”.

Greens leader David Shoebridge called for a $21-a-week tax cut funded by higher taxes on gas exports, arguing that the current government is perceived as serving the interests of the wealthiest few.

Communications minister Anika Wells said the ABC is within its rights to pursue legal action after One Nation used the popular cartoon character Bluey in a satirical video, urging the party to clarify the satire claim.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Ted O’Brien criticised the government’s proposed e-safety bill, saying it needs to return to the drawing board due to concerns over the commissioner’s powers, vague definitions and potential impacts on small businesses.